The alliance reflects the reality faced by smaller parties that share similar aspirations and voter bases but lack the resources and machinery of major political blocs.
PETALING JAYA: The cooperation between Muda and Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) ahead of the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections is a pragmatic move for two smaller parties seeking to stay relevant in a political landscape dominated by larger coalitions, according to a political analyst.
International Islamic University of Malaysia political analyst Dr Syaza Shukri said the alliance reflects the reality faced by smaller parties that share similar aspirations and voter bases but lack the resources and machinery of major political blocs.
READ MORE: PH not underestimating new parties, to focus on people’s agenda
“I think the cooperation makes a lot of sense given their shared agenda and the fact that they are relatively small parties,“ she told theSun.
On Monday, Muda and PSM announced the formation of a progressive bloc and pledged to coordinate efforts in both state elections, focusing on common policy goals and electoral coordination, including avoiding multi-cornered contests against each other.
However, Syaza cautioned that while avoiding clashes between themselves is a sound strategy, the two parties would still face steeper challenges from larger parties, including the newly formed Bersama by ex-PKR leaders Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
The Bersama multiracial party has been described as the third force, focusing on political reform, systemic change and generational renewal.
“Would the Muda-PSM cooperation bear fruit? I think yes. It’s a good strategy to avoid clashing with each other.”
Syaza said the cooperation is likely to resonate most with younger, urban and educated voters rather than the more broadlydefined youth demographic, noting that progressive ideals do not necessarily translate across all age groups.
“It would probably be, if anything, younger, urban and educated voters.”
On what would constitute success, she said winning seats may not be the most realistic benchmark at this stage, with growing vote share a more meaningful measure of progress.
“Increase in vote share shows there’s a growing appetite for a more progressive agenda.”
Syaza said current indications suggest such cooperation remains unlikely, with Bersama more focused on establishing its presence regardless of electoral outcomes.
“If they can get Bersama to work together, they can be a strong progressive bloc. “But without Bersama, it would be at least five-cornered fights,“ she said.
Nomination for Johor polls is set for June 27, with polling on July 11. In Negeri Sembilan, nomination falls on July 18 and polling on Aug 1.
